Goodbyes....

 

Last Wednesday we attended the funeral of Carol Bennett, a sweet sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.  She is the mom to my dear friends, Debbie Woodrow and Karla Robinett.  They both have lived across the street from their parents most of their adult lives.  Carol's husband, Norm, was the bishop when we moved to Syracuse so many years ago and we have been friends with them and their families since then.  They are "old" Syracuse people and the land that our house is on was part of their family farm.

I had taken the opportunity to go up a few days after Carol passed away to visit with Debbie and then with Karla.  Losing your mom is an unique experience and watching my sweet friends made my heart ache for them.  Carol had been suffering with illness for many years and it was a blessing but that doesn't make it easier to bear.  These are the moments when we need each other--to share the burden of grief but also the memories of life and love as well.

Karla and I spoke briefly at the viewing and I commented how often people used the word "sweet" in describing her mom and how for Carol--that term truly fit her!  She was sweet in all the positive meaning of the word.  (We also commented that sweet was not a word people will use to describe either of us, but as Karla commented, the world needs all kinds of people to get things done.) 

She is a wonderful lady and will be missed by all who knew her, especially her sweet husband who cared so faithfully for her, her family, and friends.  We are better because our lives were touched by her and is there anything better than that?